Tropicals & Tender Perennials: TROPICAL PLANTS AND GARDENS #131, 1 by dyzzypyxxy

dyzzypyxxy wrote:
So right, Louise. When I moved to FL, the first thing I planted in May that year were 3 small papaya plants. By October, they were over 6ft. and the biggest was 9ft tall with 14 papayas on it. They love water, but need good drainage, feed heavily and above all keep 'em warm! I'd recommend a bigger pot, and bring it indoors as soon as the nights are going below 50. Set a dark colored watering can in the sun so the water is warm for them.

By the first cold front, they basically stop growing, and just sit there (although the fruit ripens) until it warms up in March. I have to wrap the stem where the fruit is in bridal veil netting to keep the fruit from being raided by squirrels or ruined by wasp larvae.

Papaya 'Red Lady' so called because of the red leaf stems.